Summary: An 8 chapter Christmas murder mystery starring Hermione Granger and Severus Snape. It is post-Hogwarts, post-Voldemort and has political, philosophical, sociological overtones. Vaguely compliant to HBP but not DH. Assumes Dumbledore's death in HBP was staged. *Contents may be disturbing to readers*

Summary: 31 October 1981. Instead of going to Azkaban, Sirius Black goes on the run, determined to catch the traitorous Peter Pettigrew even as post-war violence tears through the wizarding world. Meanwhile, Remus Lupin and a handful of others work desparately to clear Sirius' name, and to find him.

After all, they are not the only ones seeking Sirius Black. The Ministry of Magic has set the Dementors on his trail, and they have been given permission to administer the Kiss the instant he is caught. The remnants of the Death Eaters are pursuing him as well, in hopes that he will lead them to Pettigrew -- whom they blame for Voldemort?s defeat.

Summary: Victory did not make life perfect, and two years on, the shock of surviving the war is finally starting to wear off. Waking to everyday realities, Hermione and Severus discover the delights and pains of living - all prompted by a ladder. HG/SS eventually, but HG/RW and SS/NT for the first bit. Multiple award winner.